Top cover latch hard to pull

[m1garand30064]

Hello everyone!!

I recently broke down and bought a semi auto 1919a6! So far I am thrilled. I have not fired it yet because I am still learning how to properly headspace it and I want to make sure I know the weapon backward and forward before I put a live round in it.

However, the top latch that has to be pulled back to open the top cover is extremely difficult to operate. I had to use a rubber mallet to push it back initially. Now I can just use my hands, but I have to use both of them to pull it back then get someone else to open the cover with their free hands. This cannot be normal! Does anyone else have this problem? If so is there anything I can do about it? Thanks for the help and I am excited to be part of the board!

[Lucky#13]

Originally Posted by m1garand30064

Hello everyone!!

I recently broke down and bought a semi auto 1919a6! So far I am thrilled. I have not fired it yet because I am still learning how to properly headspace it and I want to make sure I know the weapon backward and forward before I put a live round in it.

However, the top latch that has to be pulled back to open the top cover is extremely difficult to operate. I had to use a rubber mallet to push it back initially. Now I can just use my hands, but I have to use both of them to pull it back then get someone else to open the cover with their free hands. This cannot be normal! Does anyone else have this problem? If so is there anything I can do about it? Thanks for the help and I am excited to be part of the board!

Actually, it is pretty common. They made that latch spring very stiff to prevent the cover from opening during firing, which was not uncommon on the early 1917s during WWI. The spring was replaced on most all the early top latches after the war. By the time the 1919s were produced, the stiff spring had long become the standard.

If you remove the latch, you may be able to bend the leaf spring enough to make it easier. That is the first thing I would try. You'll have to lock the drive spring into the bolt, per standard field stripping procedure, open the top cover then remove the back plate. Then you should be able to drive the latch off the rear with your mallet. You may need to use a screwdriver to pry the latch forward to clear the back plate for removal. Use the sight bracket for leverage, and you may want to protect the finish with a rag for that operation.

[m1garand30064]

Thank you very much for the info! A little oil seemed to do the trick.

[Lucky#13]

Originally Posted by m1garand30064

Thank you very much for the info! A little oil seemed to do the trick.

LOL! The simplest solution is usually the best. Good call. I really am into over thinking everything!